Kootenay Backcountry Guides

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Kootenay Backcountry Guides

Kootenay Backcountry Guides the Kootenay's local backcountry and safety experts.

A place for people passionate about the backcountry and want to experience adventure along with safety. Kootenay Backcountry Guides are here to help you go further than you thought possible. We provide ski and snowboard trips to anywhere the snow flies but specialize in the backcountry of the Kootenays. We provide professional avalanche courses for those wanting to learn more about backcountry travel.

03/04/2026

When you’re kilometres from the trailhead, preparation matters.

Thank you, Abel, James, and Vince, for another great weekend of learning in the mountains with .

Our comprehensive 40-hour Wilderness Advanced First Aid course dives deep into essential backcountry rescue techniques and real-world emergency response.

This course goes beyond traditional first aid, focusing on the critical challenges you may face in a true backcountry emergency, including what happens after the incident.

Through year-round skills and practical scenarios, you’ll be prepared for any emergency, in any season.

This was our last course of the season in Nelson, but we’ll be back next year!

What’s your go-to item that you always carry in your backpack in case of an emergency?

02/04/2026

Some words from our instructor, Bruce Gardave, CAA Professional Member.

“This past weekend during our AST 1 course, we got to experience some great snow science. Sometimes when we dig, the results can be inconclusive, but this weekend—with our melt-freeze crust and surface hoar problem—we got a front-row show of how an ECT test can reveal how real this problem is. With just three light taps on the column, we saw it fracture across the entire 90 cm column. This is a stark example of why you would want to play it safe this weekend. This is exactly what we did: played it safe, gained some great learning, and, just for good measure, got a few sweet turns.

From Avalanche Canada:

“We are uncertain how the buried persistent weak layer will react to the forecasted warming. In times of uncertainty, conservative terrain choices are our best defence.”

Play it safe out there 🫡

01/28/2026

Got a text message from Tammy on Monday morning “fantastic weekend with the ladies!!!”

More of this?
- Join our womxn specific AST 2 in February
- Follow for future scholarships and join their mentorship programs

01/20/2026

We went exploring the Goat Range as a test run for our new (cat-assisted) touring program. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter for KBG and White Grizzly. Nestled deep in the mountains, this experience is based out of the Wild Bear Lodge (3 days / 3 nights), with mechanized access provided by White Grizzly Cat Skiing.

We came back with souls and stomachs full. The incredible terrain pairs perfectly with the soulful lodge experience.

Check out our website to learn more — we have limited seats available this season.

Four trips. Six guests max. Two guides. Endless memories.

Photos and drone footage by the talented

01/12/2026

We love it when our students send us photos after their course. Seeing your smiles in the field makes us happy at the office. It reminds us that we have a purpose and that we are doing something great together. It’s about having fun and making safe choices in the backcountry. Thanks, crew 🙌

01/06/2026

Favourite place to start 2026 💙 
This weekend, we ran an AST 1, an AST 2, a Mountain Rescue course (in collaboration with ), and our first private guided tour of the year.

Coming up in the next few weeks: • AST 1 Refresher • Managing Avalanche Terrain with local legend  • More AST 1s • More AST 2s

If a course is sold out, reach out and we’ll add you to the waitlist!

📸

12/29/2025

In 2026, find us in the mountains!

We organize a wide range of programs — from your first AST 1 to our lodge-based, cat-assisted touring trips. Check the pictures for dates and availability 🏔️ See you on the skin track?

12/24/2025

Throwback to a very special AST 2

Inspired by Jud’s vision to make avalanche education more accessible, Jasmine Caton and Valhalla Mountain Touring offered the remaining course spots on a sliding-scale price—opening the door for more backcountry users to take this essential training.

Top-notch learning with the amazing and , supported by our online curriculum, plus full lodge-life vibes in the Valhallas. We dug ECTs, shredded pow, and wrapped up the days with seared tuna dinners.

What a weekend. Heart is full.

Thank you to everyone who made it happen—Jasmine, Chef Josh, Vanessa, Dan, Jeremy, Kate, and all the crew of stoked students 🙏 Happy holidays. See you on the skin track.

12/15/2025

You can’t buy pow, but you can offer a Kootenay Backcountry gift card 🎄

Available on our website. We wish you deep turns, safe lines and lots of snow storms for this winter.

Address

610 Mill Street
Nelson, BC
V1L4S4

Telephone

+12503547233

Website

http://www.kootenaybackcountryguides.com/

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